Chapter Three

August 28th, 1996

Beaut

Tra la-la-la-la la-la-la-la

Happy birthday sweet sixteen
Tra la-la-la-la la-la-la-la
Happy birthday sweet sixteen

Tonight's the night I've waited for
Because you're not a baby anymore
You've turned into the prettiest girl I've ever seen,
Happy birthday sweet sixteen

What happened to that funny face
My little tomboy now wears satins and lace
I can't believe my eyes you're just a teenage dream
Happy birthday sweet sixteen

Slamming my alarm clock I groan. Who put that tape in? It's so damned corny. It must have been Dom because ever since I got into training bras dad refuses to come in my room unannounced. I'll remember to get him back for that.

Crawling over Letty, who spent the night obviously, I go about getting ready for my day. After showering and putting my brand new bikini on, I slip into some denim shorts. Brushing my hair out I put it into a messy bun before heading downstairs to the smell of fresh coffee.

" Hey, dad thanks for making- "

Oh, Jesus Christ! Drool, so much drool.

Dom looks down at his state of undress and then back at me with a smirk. " Like what you see Beaut? "

Hell yeah! And his head is freshly shaved. Why are the God's tempting me?

" Umm... Can you please put some clothes on? " I say finding my voice.

Throwing his head back he laughs before saying, " you sure can't tell that you're sixteen with that level of innocence. " He says before pulling his beater on. " There better? "

" Much. " I say reaching for my coffee cup.

Once I make it just right I take a sip and almost moan. So fucking good.

" You sure are an interesting one, Beaut. " He says sliding a little gift box my way.

What is this? " Aww, you didn't have to do this Dom. "

I know he's still saving to get the shop up and running. It's gonna take a lot of hard work so this is really sweet of him.

" It's just a little small something. " He assures me. " Now open it. "

Taking the box I lift the lid to find a small key chain with a black Charger hanging from it. It looks just like Uncle Jack's. Without saying a word I wrap my arms around him in appreciation.

" You're welcome. " He says simply as his large palms rub my back.

Okay, I'm enjoying this a little too much. Pulling back I put the keychain back in the little box and try my hardest not to blush bright red.

When we get to the beach I ask Dom to hold my surfboard so we girls can head to the bathrooms. I know technically we're just taking our shorts off but we still do it. Gotta keep it fake classy, ya know?

I pul my tank top over my head and am met with Letty and Mia staring at me with wide eyes. " What? "

" When did that happen? " Letty asks pointing at my chest.

Shocked I cover my boobs with my hands. " Hey, my eyes are up here. "

" They're so noticeable. " Mia says crossing my personal boundaries to poke one.

I make an unintelligible squeak before slapping her hand away. " That's a violation! And they're not big! A b cup is not big. "

Both she and Letty laugh hysterically at my very embarrassed face. It's not my fault these things sprouted out of nowhere. I used to be completely flat-chested.

" Stop dicking around in there and come on. "

We hear Dom call from outside making us giggle and haul ass. " Coming! "

Walking across the hot sand barefoot is never a good idea, but we do it anyway as to not get our shoes stolen. It's happened for real. Halfway through the walk, I notice the looks being thrown our way. Men of all ages seem to be finding us extremely interesting. Walking up to our spot I can't help but notice Dom's eyes are fixed on me. What is going on?

" Wow, they're really loving the bikini huh Beaut? " Letty asks.

People are still looking so I grab my surfboard to cover myself. It's like people have never seen a bikini before. It's gross I'm only sixteen.

As if he has eyes in the back of his head, Dom turns around and makes a beeline for us. " Come on we're over here. " He says while glaring at the clearly too-old men gawking at underage girls.

" Thanks, Dom. " I say when we're finally in our own space.

He shrugs his shoulders. " No problem Beauty. Can't have those old perverts drooling over what doesn't belong to them. "

I resist the urge to cringe at my full first name. It doesn't sound bad coming out of his mouth though.

" Come on chica, forget them, and let's go swim! " Letty calls from the hot sand.

He lightly pushes me in their direction. " Go on, we're grilling over here anyway. "

Men and their grills I swear. We spend the rest of the day in the water except when we ate lunch. After the food was put away Dom joined us in the water and we both caught a few great waves on my board. I can positively say so far it's a great birthday.

...

When we get back to the house I'm pooped for real. I had a blast today but I can really use a nap. " Let are you staying the night again? "

" If it's okay with you Mr. G? " She asks politely.

Dad puts a hand on her shoulder. " You know you're always welcome Leticia. But before you three go running off Dom and I want to show you something in the garage. "

This piques my interest so I follow them. Excitement rises through me when I see something huge under a tarp. Dom smirks at me before going over and pulling the tarp off of the most beautiful car I've ever seen.

" Oh, my God! " I say running over and touching the hood.

Dad comes up and kisses the side of my head. " Happy Birthday! This is from Dom and me. "

" You! " I say pointing my finger at Dom in accusation.

He just grins widely with his arms crossed. " You didn't think I'd let you take the bus, did you? "

" Thank you! " I say kissing my dad on the cheek and pulling Dom down for a bear hug.

He instantly hugs me back and says, " you're welcome ". Before pulling back with his grip tightening on my arms as he lets go.

Oh, I'm in for it for real now. " Let's get changed and take a ride. "

" Way ahead of you. " Letty says running into the house.

I go to catch up when dad holds me back. " No drinking, no smoking, no boys. " We both chant together.

I giggle and he shakes his head with a chuckle. " I've been giving you that lecture for two years huh? "

" Try four. I'll be careful I promise. " I tell him as I reach up to kiss his cheek again.

Just before I get inside I hear him tell Dom, " I guess she isn't a little girl anymore. "

I'll always be his little girl.

...

Later that night after Letty and Mia are asleep I'm still wired and not at all tired. Crawlin over Letty I leave my bedroom and head down to the kitchen. Getting the sheet cake and ice cream out I serve myself some and head out on the front porch. And begin eating while listening to the silence that two AM brings.

Today has been great. As far as birthdays go it's one of the best I've ever had. But at the same time... I can't help but feel a bit down.

" Midnight snack? "

Nearly jumping out of my skin I look back at Dom with a glare. " Yeah. I can't sleep. "

" Something bothering you? " He asks coming fully out on the porch.

Shrugging I say, " it's just... My birthday doesn't feel the same without Jake and Vince. They've always been here to celebrate. "

I feel his body tense and my words and he lets out a sigh.

" I'm sorry they weren't here for you, Beautiful. " He growls out softly. " But you have me and you always will. "

Leaning into his side I say, " I'll hold you to that promise, Toretto ".

" Forever. " He reiterates.